A THIEF who snatched an expensive mobile phone from a girl’s hand is being hunted by police.

The victim was travelling on the 471 bus from Bolton to Bury when the thief grabbed her phone from her hand and ran off the bus.

The man made off with a Sony Ericsson ARCS mobile phone worth £200 and a bus pass.

He got off the bus opposite Morrison’s in Bury Road, Breightmet, less than a mile after getting on it.

He fled on foot. The thief was seen running across the car park of Morrisons and Home Bargains but it is not known where he went afterwards.

The suspect and another man, who had no involvement in the theft, got on the bus at the Lexus garage in Bury Road, Tonge Fold, at about 4.10pm on January 17.

The wanted man is white, in his 20s, and was wearing a black hooded jacket, a black hat and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a mean offence that took place on a public bus where people should be able to feel safe.

“I am confident people will have either seen this man getting off the bus or will recognise him.

“I urge people to take a close look at the photograph and description of the man wanted for theft.”

People with information are asked to call police on 0161 856 5761 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.